Set at the port itself, the chronological exhibition examines the longstanding connection between Qatar’s people and the sea, a relationship that has influenced the country’s identity, heritage and cultural traditions. It follows the harbour’s changing role over several decades and links that history to Qatar’s economic, urban and social development.

Visitors can explore the account through original documents, photographs, video footage and other archival material. The display brings together records that document the port’s successive stages of development and its importance as a point for trade, travel and international engagement.

From Al Fardah to an established port

The historical journey begins in the 1950s, when the site was known as Al Fardah. At the time, its Merchants’ Wharf was the main centre for maritime trade. That early period continued until 1966, when a decree regulating Qatar’s seaports was issued, a milestone in organising the country’s maritime infrastructure.

The exhibition then covers the 1960s and 1970s, when Al Fardah developed from a traditional commercial harbour into an officially established port. The opening of New Doha Port in 1971 marked another stage in that transition, with the facility receiving commercial vessels as well as notable international visitors.

Among those visitors was Queen Elizabeth II, who arrived aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia in the late 1970s, according to the exhibition’s historical account.

From the 1980s through 2015, the port expanded its facilities and took on a wider range of functions as Qatar’s economy and urban development accelerated. The exhibition presents this period as one in which maritime infrastructure became increasingly important to the country’s growth and international links.

Redevelopment after commercial operations moved

A further change came in 2016, when commercial activity was transferred to Hamad Port. The move cleared the way for the redevelopment of the historic harbour as a tourism destination, combining maritime heritage with cultural, leisure and visitor experiences.

The display continues to the present day, showing how Old Doha Port’s transformation has remained connected to its earlier role. It highlights the redevelopment as an effort to retain the site’s maritime identity and historical character while introducing modern elements, in line with the aspirations of Qatar National Vision 2030.

Old Doha Port developed the exhibition with contributions from several national institutions and organisations. Qatar Museums, Qatar National Library, Qatar National Archives, the Ministry of Municipality, Qatar Navigation Company (Milaha), Al Kass Sports Channels, Atlas Bookstore and Qatar Creates supplied historical information, archival records and visual materials.

By placing the port’s history alongside the Qatar Boat Show’s maritime and boating displays, the exhibition offers visitors an account of how the sea has remained central to Qatar’s national story and how Old Doha Port has retained its place in that heritage.

Source: Gulf Times